Published: July 18, 2024
MONROVIA – The opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has accused President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of endangering the life of former President George Manneh Weah by ordering a heavy deployment of army personnel at Roberts International Airport during Weah’s arrival.
The CDC, through its Secretary General Jefferson Tamba Koijee, made this allegation during a press conference on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the party’s headquarters in Congo Town.
During Weah’s recent arrival from America, well-armed officers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) were notably present at the airport, raising concerns among citizens, including CDC members and the 55th National Legislature.
Koijee accused President Boakai and his Unity Party administration of tribalizing the army. “The Chief of Staff is a Kissi, appointed by President Boakai, and this has led to the ‘tribalization’ of the army,” Koijee asserted.
He described the heavy military presence as troubling for Liberia’s peace and stability, referencing the country’s dark history when the army was dominated by a particular tribe.
According to Koijee, no political party has invested more in sustaining Liberia’s peace than the CDC. He accused President Boakai of undermining national peace since taking office and called on the international community to be aware of the threat posed to the life of their standard bearer, whom he described as a peaceful man.
“The Armed Forces of Liberia should not be subjected to tribal operations under the UP administration. If it was wrong yesterday, it is wrong today,” Koijee stated, arguing that army personnel have been selected based on their tribes, suppressing professional and neutral operations.
Koijee emphasized that despite the presence of some good men and women in the army, many have been reduced to a personal defense force under President Boakai’s instructions. “This is an outright provocation and misuse of power; the army is now working as a private security force,” he stressed.
He urged President Boakai to focus on solving the problems of the Liberian people and warned that the CDC would not compromise its safety under the current regime.
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